By UPF Asia Pacific
The Universal Peace Federation, in partnership with The Voice of Istiqlal, convened a one-day international conference “Interfaith Dialogue: IAPD-IAPP Joint Assembly”, dedicated to the theme: “The Role of Governments, Civil Society and Interfaith Cooperation in Nation Building”. The 3-session conference was held in Al-Fatah Hall of Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta on the 16th of October 2023 from 10 AM to 4 PM Jakarta time.
This IAPD-IAPP Joint Assembly can serve as a model to solve the problems in the Middle East. The foundation that True Father invested in Indonesia 22 years ago when the Muslim Summit was held after the tragedy of 9/11 is now being inherited through this IAPD-IAPP Joint Assembly.
The program began with six religious representatives participating in the Water of Harmony ceremony symbolizing unity among religions and their common quest for peace. Prof. Dr. K.H. Nasaruddin Umar, the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, offered prayers and then gave his keynote address.
In his address, he emphasized that in times of crisis, when addressing certain issues, it is more effective to use an approach with spiritual language, mostly exercised by religions, rather than using political language. He also highlighted the extensive interfaith work of Istiqlal Mosque and spoke about a recently opened underground tunnel connecting the Mosque with the oldest Christian cathedral in Indonesia. The Silaturahmi Tunnel, or Tunnel of Friendship, symbolizes interfaith cooperation and fraternity since Istiqlal embraces all faith traditions. “The Istiqlal mosque is not only for Muslims but also for everyone regardless of their religious background,” said the Grand Imam.
The Istiqlal, which means “independence” in Arabic, was dedicated to the independence of Indonesia. It was designed in 1954 by a Christian architect from North Sumatra in the spirit of interfaith cooperation.
The Chairman of UPF Asia Pacific, Hon. Ek Nath Dhakal, noted that in today’s world, there is conflict and terrorism in politics, society, the economy, culture, and even in religion. As a result, our common core values are being eroded. After delivering his remarks, Hon. Ek Nath Dakhal presented a plaque as a token of appreciation to the Grand Imam of Istiqlal for his contribution to this program was possible to conduct at Istiqlal.
Hon. Ek Nath then called for action saying, “The global community should come together to bolster democracy and its institutions while condemning all forms of terrorism through unified efforts.”
The Opening Session was then concluded with the Closing Remarks by Rev. Masaichi Hori, the President of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification. In his closing, he emphasized the significance of True Mother in carrying out the Global Peace Movement inherited from True Father, “
Keynote speakers of the opening session included: Hon. Yasril A. Baharuddin, Chair, IAPP Indonesia; Amb. K.H. Abdul Wahid Maktub, former Indonesian Ambassador and Chairman of Advanced Indonesian Network; Hon. Dave Laksono, Member of the House of Representatives; Prof. Dr. Alwi Shihab, former Foreign Minister of Indonesia and the President’s Special Envoy to the Middle East and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (2015-2019); and Pres. Masaichi Hori, President, Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, Asia Pacific.
Two sessions were held in the afternoon, respectively entitled: “Common Ground for Religious Harmony, Lasting Peace and Security” and “Interfaith Youth Forum for Peace and Harmony.”
In the second session moderated by Rev. Ursula McLackland, Dr. Robert S. Kittel, Senior Advisor of UPF Asia Pacific, gave a wonderful lecture saying that we all should go beyond tolerance and find a common base of goodness that is already embedded in all religions. He emphasized the universal principles taught by True Parents, which are living for the sake of others, honoring parents, and marriage as a divine covenant centering on God.
In the third and last session of the program, Rev. Ronnie Sodusta, the President of IAYSP Asia Pacific, shared the vision of IAYSP which is young people building a world of peace with true love. He showed a model of IAYSP working together with the government of the Philippines in raising patriotic youth. In his ‘call to action, he encouraged the young people of Indonesia to join together to become patriots in addressing the internal threats that take away the dreams of young people, the right to live in a good family, good education for young people, etc. He proposed the ‘whole of Indonesia approach’ where the government, religions, women sector, and youth sector, join together to solve the problems of the nation.
Speakers and participants conveyed a growing concern related to the Israel and Palestine conflict. They condemned violent hostilities against civilians, urged key actors to provide emergency assistance to all civilians, and for an immediate ceasefire of hostilities.